Welcome to the land where sport is in people’s genes

Sooner or later, you’ll come across a debate on sports in Slovenia. How could you not? Slovenia is a very sporty nation. More than two thirds of citizens are regularly involved in a physical activity. We admit that it’s difficult to stay indoors if a wonderful and varied landscape is calling to us through the window to go outside and providing us with a number of possibilities for outdoor activities.

planica2023_smucarski tek

 

The Slovenian sporting spirit is further displayed at important sports competitions where we heartily cheer for our athletes. And these competitions come in large numbers. Not many countries can boast such an impressive proportion of medals won at the largest competitions (in various sports) per capita as Slovenia. Because we love sports, we are also very enthusiastic about organising sports competitions, especially those at the highest level. In winter sports, Slovenia has been repeatedly featured on the calendars of world cup competitions for several years and has hosted several world championships. Now is the time for the cherry on the cake: the Nordic World Ski Championships in Planica.

 

Nordic World Ski Championships Planica 2023 – the pinnacle of winter in Slovenia

Although we are used to annual celebrations when watching ski jumping in Planica, an even grander sporting event will be held in the valley below the Ponce mountains between 22 February and 5 March 2023. Planica will be the venue of the largest sporting event in Slovenia’s history, the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. In the ten days of competitions, new world champions in cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping will be crowned on Slovenian soil. An interesting accompanying programme will also be organised, which will mostly take place in Nordic Park in Kranjska Gora. Why are the Nordic World Ski Championships so exceptional? Here are some of the numbers speaking in favour of the great expectations.

Visit website

Number of competitors
approx. 2,500
Number of participating countries
more than 60
Number of new world champions
24
Number of media representatives
approx. 2.000
Expected number of television viewers around the world
more than 500 million

Don’t hesitate, be there!

Get your ticket, check out the schedule and come to Slovenia to cheer on the participants.

Responsible attitude toward the environment

In all seasons of the year, Planica presents a fairy tale image. It is situated in Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia, in which nature conservation and coexistence present the fundamental objective. To preserve the valley’s pristine beauty as much as possible, the organisers put a great emphasis on sustainability within the framework of the event. Their goal is to create an event with almost zero waste and a minimum carbon footprint. To this end, they designed very detailed sustainability standards that will serve as the basis of national guidelines for outdoor sustainable sporting events. Here’s some info on the sustainable orientation of the event.

Visit website

Only a limited number of competing team and TV crew vehicles will have access to the valley. A circular bus transfer from Kranjska Gora to Planica will be organised for visitors.

Parking areas will be arranged on the meadows surrounding Rateče, Podkoren and Kranjska Gora, which will later be restored to their previous condition and enhanced with plants.

Only a limited number of competing team and TV crew vehicles will have access to the valley. A circular bus transfer from Kranjska Gora to Planica will be organised for visitors.

Planica, sports paradise below the Ponce mountains

Planica is synonymous in Slovenia with sporting events. Each year, for the finals of the Ski Jumping World Cup, Planica attracts more than 60,000 viewers from many countries who come to see the breath-taking jumps of the world’s best ski jumpers. In recent years, Planica has also established itself as the organiser of cross-country skiing competitions, to which the modern Nordic Centre has greatly contributed. But when the competing and fan frenzy dies down, there’s still much to see in the valley below the Ponce mountains. There are countless possibilities for outdoor activities throughout the year.

Explore

Good to know before you arrive for the championships

If you’ve decided to support your heroes in cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping in person, check out useful information about how to travel to Slovenia, where to find accommodation, where to eat, etc.

Sports quiz about their knowledge of Slovenia: Primož Roglič vs. Robert Kranjec

Two former ski jumpers, friends and world-class athletes have accepted the challenge to compete in the quiz and test their knowledge of Slovenia. Primož Roglič exchanged his jumping skis for a bike and Robert Kranjec was an exceptional ski jumper, who has made history with his long jumps and was a favourite of not only Slovenian sports fans, but also of many others around the world. Who will be the best in our sports duel?

How well do you know Slovenia?

Now that you have learned more about winter sports activities and sports competitions in Slovenia, you can test your knowledge in a special quiz and win a #ifeelsLOVEnia practical prize!

Start the quiz

Electric atmosphere in Kranjska Gora

The surge of cheering will spread from Planica through Upper Sava Valley to Kranjska Gora, where a varied accompanying programme will take place in Nordic Park. In the evenings at 20:23, the medal ceremonies will be held at the park. Many famous Slovenian musicians will provide entertainment for the cheerful crowds of fans. There will be an abundant selection of local and international dishes and beverages as well.

Visit website

planica2023_navijaci

Join the Slovenia fan club

In the most crucial moments, it’s the fans who give top athletes a special boost, resulting in outstanding performances. Fan chants and rhythms are a source of energy that gives us goosebumps. Help us spread this fan euphoria into the virtual world by posting on your social networks.

Explore

Cheer with us at @FeelSlovenia

Let our cheering spirit flood the Internet. Share with us your best moments from the Nordic World Ski Championships and Slovenia with #ifeelsLOVEnia and #myway.

Kranjska Gora, a world-renowned mountain sports centre

Planica is part of the Kranjska Gora destination, which is known around the world for its many winter sports competitions. In addition to ski jumping in Planica, there’s also the Vitranc Cup for male Alpine skiers. Once the organisers take down the venues of winter competitions, Kranjska Gora continues to be a popular destination for active visitors. In winter, it’s perfect for family skiing, cross-country skiing and other winter activities, and, in the warmer months, Kranjska Gora attracts hikers and cyclists. It’s also developing into a paradise for foodies, as it has a restaurant adorned with the prestigious Michelin star.

Explore

Nearby destinations

In addition to the experiences in Kranjska Gora, you can spend your free days during the Nordic World Ski Championships visiting nearby destinations in the Julian Alps. You can also explore Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, which is just one hour away from the venue of the championships.

Listen to the beat of Slovenia’s sporting heart

What is the common denominator of Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič, Luka Dončić and Janja Garnbret? They’re all globally recognised athletes who come from Slovenia. They’re also the ambassadors of Slovenian tourism. But they’re not the only ones. There’s a number of other sportspeople who have written or are still writing, not only Slovenian, but global history in sports. Where does the secret lie? They have good bases, persistence and diligence that are also reflected in the organisation of top competitions in Slovenia.

Why is winter so cool in Slovenia?

When snow covers the landscape, Slovenia turns into a true winter wonderland. Step into it actively. Grab a pair of skis or venture out on a hike in the snow-covered landscape. Everyone can find good reasons to enjoy activities in the snow.

Winter, the way the Roglič family likes it

Top Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič likes spending time in the snow in wintertime when he’s not pushing the pedals on important cycling races. Check out the favourite winter activities of his family and perhaps you’ll get an idea about how to spend your winter break in Slovenia.

More

Winter, the way the Roglič family likes it

Winter, the way the Roglič family likes it

Top Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič likes spending time in the snow in wintertime when he’s not pushing the pedals on important cycling races. Check out the favourite winter activities of his family and perhaps you’ll get an idea about how to spend your winter break in Slovenia.

More

Crossing the snowy landscape on cross-country skis

Crossing the snowy landscape on cross-country skis

Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular activities among the Slovenians, proof of which is that you can find well-maintained cross-country trails in many places all over Slovenia. Everyone can enjoy cross-country skiing: true cross-country enthusiasts as well as beginners.

More

Take a hike on the snow cover with winter boots and snowshoes

Take a hike on the snow cover with winter boots and snowshoes

Winter has its charms. A stroll in the snow-covered countryside instils peace and fills you with energy. So put on your winter hiking boots or your snowshoes and take a hike along the snow-covered plains. Discover your winter fairy tale in the middle of pristine nature.

More

Top reasons to go skiing in Slovenia

Top reasons to go skiing in Slovenia

In Slovenia, distances between individual parts of the country are very small. Ski resorts are also relatively close to each other and connected by the single skiing ticket. Most of the ski resorts are family-friendly. In addition to skiing, you can enjoy many other winter activities.

More

Winter experiences for a perfect day on the ski slopes

Winter experiences for a perfect day on the ski slopes

A day on the Slovenian ski slopes goes by in a flash. Do you know why? Because, as well as skiing on the well-maintained slopes, there are plenty of other winter experiences to make your day on the snow even better. To make sure you don't run out of energy, indulge in culinary delights right next to the slopes, and if one day isn't enough to enjoy the snow, you can extend it by staying overnight in nearby accommodation.

More

Slovenia, the green land of active experiences

Perhaps one can’t find it easily on a map, but Slovenia in its corner of the world provides a multitude of opportunities for active outdoor activities. Here, you can still experience a pristine contact with nature, which we are trying to preserve in all its beauty.

Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Active holidays

More

Winter activities

Head to Slovenia for active winter experiences on snow and ice.

Winter activities

More

Alpine Slovenia

Alpine Slovenia, at the heart of the mountains, along lakes and rivers. Visit Triglav National Park, Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley.

Alpine Slovenia

Alpine Slovenia

More

The Julian Alps

Julian Alps - a paradise for active adventures and relaxation in nature.

The Julian Alps

More

Visit Triglav National Park with respect

Triglav National Park will delight you with its picturesque landscapes and unforgettable experiences!

Visit Triglav National Park with respect

More

Green story of Slovenia

Plan your holidays in green.

Green story of Slovenia

More

Stories from Slovenia

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive a green piece of Slovenia in your inbox, and learn about holidays, seasonal offers, upcoming events and travel options.

Share with friends